Operation console, electronic device and image processing apparatus provided with the operation console, and method of displaying information on the operation console

ABSTRACT

On a touch-panel display of an image forming apparatus, which is divided to five areas, that is, a system area, a function selection area, a preview area, an action panel area and a task trigger area, pieces of information are displayed. Even if an operational mode is switched, the same or similar information is always displayed in the area arranged at the same position. In the task trigger area, software buttons operated by the user for actually operating the image forming apparatus are displayed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a)on Patent Application No. 2010-065398 filed in Japan on Mar. 23, 2010,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an operation console displayinginformation to a user and allowing the user to operate based on theinformation. More specifically, the present invention relates to anoperation console displaying pieces of information on a plurality ofdivided areas that allows, even when an operational mode of anelectronic device or an image processing apparatus provided with theoperation console is changed and screen image thereof is changedaccordingly, the user to accurately grasp information related to processrequests displayed in each operational mode. The present invention alsorelates to the electronic device and the image processing apparatusprovided with the operation console, as well as to a method ofdisplaying information on the operation console.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

As one type of image processing apparatuses as electronic equipment,image forming apparatuses forming images on recording paper (typically,copy machines) are introduced to many places of business (companies andoffices). In such a place of business, it has become increasingly commonto connect an image forming apparatus having a printer function or acopy function to a network, to allow use (sharing) by a plurality ofusers. A multifunction peripheral (MFP) as one type of such imageforming apparatuses has a plurality of basic operational modes such as acopy mode, a facsimile mode (hereinafter “facsimile” may also be denotedas FAX or fax), a network-supported printer mode and a scanner mode. Insuch an image forming apparatus, each user selects an operational modeand selects and makes settings of a function of duplex (two-sided)printing or collective printing (such as 2-in-1 by which two pages of anoriginal document are printed on one sheet, or 4-in-1 by which fourpages of an original document are printed on one sheet), whereby imagesare formed on sheets of paper in a desired manner. Appropriatecombinations of these functions come to be more frequently used.

When a user uses such an image forming apparatus, for example, the userinputs image data in the scanner mode, performs image processing (suchas collection) by inputting various instructions through an operationpanel, and prints the results on a sheet of recording paper. In such asituation, the operation panel, serving as an operation and displayunit, functions as an interface between the image forming apparatus andthe user. Generally, on the operation panel, a screen image for settingfunctions in each operational mode is displayed, so that the user caneasily set various functions. Further, while a job is being executed,job progress status may be displayed, to allow the user to easily graspthe progress status of the job. In the printer mode executed uponreception of data from an external device, the job progress status maybe displayed in accordance with the data received from the externaldevice as a source.

Recently, a touch-panel display having a touch-panel formed on a liquidcrystal panel (display panel) comes to be increasingly used as such anoperation panel. By way of example, items (software buttons) allowingselection of a mode of the image forming apparatus are displayed on thetouch-panel display, the user viewing the display presses a position ofan item displayed on the touch-panel display (presses a softwarebutton), and the operational mode is set.

Such a touch-panel display having both the display and operationfunctions is advantageous in that it eliminates the necessity ofproviding a display unit and an operation unit separately. Further, itattracts attention recently since a command can be selectedadvantageously in accordance with the user's sense, when it is adaptedsuch that a command can be selected in accordance with a trajectory ofpressing of the touch-panel display by the user's finger. Examples ofsuch command selection using finger trajectory include the following.

When a plurality of pages are displayed on the touch-panel display asprint previews, the following operations may be performed. By a useroperation of lightly tapping twice (hereinafter also referred to asdouble-tapping) a position of a certain page displayed as a preview, acommand to display the page in an enlarged or reduced size can beselected. By a user operation trajectory of expanding a space betweentwo fingers (hereinafter also referred to as pinch-out or pinch-open), acommand to display the page in an enlarged size can be selected, and bya user operation trajectory of reducing a space between the two fingers(hereinafter also referred to as pinch-in or pinch-close), a command todisplay the page in a reduced size can be selected. In the following,these operations are denoted as gesture operations. The gestureoperations are not limited to the above, and may include: tapping, orlightly touching an item displayed on the touch-panel display; dragging,or sliding an item with a finger; flicking, or lightly sweeping an itemto scroll; and pinching with two fingers. It is noted that, strictlyspeaking, the tapping and double-tapping are not determined by the useroperation trajectory on the touch-panel display (determined not by thetrajectory but by detection of a position). The user's request, however,can also be detected by these operations and, therefore, these are alsoincluded in the gesture operations in the present specification.

Further, in the present specification, an operation other than thegesture operations as such will be described as a touch operation. Thetouch operation means an operation of detecting a user's request basedon the position of operation by the user on the touch-panel. Arepresentative example of the touch operation is an operation of theuser pressing a position of an item (pressing a software button)displayed on the touch-panel display.

In an MFP provided with a touch-panel display allowing both touchoperation and gesture operation, many pieces of information intended forthe user are displayed on the touch-panel display. Such an MFP has aplurality of basic operational modes as described above, and the userselects an operational mode of the MFP. After selecting an operationalmode, the user inputs various settings for the operational mode, andthereafter, inputs an image formation request. Such selection and inputby the user are made by pressing software buttons displayed on thetouch-panel display.

By way of example, Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2009-177526(hereinafter referred to as '526 Reference) discloses an imageprocessing apparatus that can improve convenience of operation. Theimage processing apparatus executes any one of facsimile, copy andscanner jobs. The image processing apparatus is provided with a modeselection key, a touch-panel, a first start key and a second start key.The mode selection key is for selecting an easy-operation mode, allowingexecution of a job by an easy operation. When the easy-operation mode isselected by the mode selection key, an operation screen image used foran operation in the easy-operation mode is displayed on the touch-panel.The first start key is a hardware button provided outside of thetouch-panel, for instructing execution of a job. The second start key isa software button provided on the operation screen image, forinstructing execution of a job in the easy-operation mode.

In the image processing apparatus, separate from the first start keyimplemented by a hardware button, the second start key is provided as asoftware button on the operation screen image of the easy-operationmode, serving as a start key in that mode. Thus, convenience ofoperation in the easy-operation mode can be improved.

As disclosed in '526 Reference above, in various electronic devicesincluding the image processing apparatus, a touch-panel display isprovided as an operation console. Various pieces of information aredisplayed on the touch-panel display. One example of the displayedinformation is the second start key disclosed in '526 Reference. FIGS. 3to 6 of '526 Reference show the touch-panel display on which the secondstart key is displayed.

In these figures, however, the second start key (software button) isdisplayed at different positions. Therefore, unless the user remembersthe position of the start key in each operational mode, it is necessaryfor the user to find the start key arranged at different positions indifferent operational modes and to input a process request. This leadsto a problem that the user is confused, makes erroneous operation andtakes longer time for operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide, in an electronicdevice and an image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus) thatoperate switching among a plurality of operational modes, a techniqueallowing the user to easily find the process request informationrequired by the user, even when the operational mode is switched and thescreen image on the operation console is changed accordingly.

According to an aspect, the present invention provides an operationconsole provided on an apparatus as an object of control operating inone operational mode selected by a user from a plurality of operationalmodes. The operation console includes: a display unit displayinginformation corresponding to the selected operational mode to the user;a detecting unit, arranged on the display unit, for detecting a requestof the user based on a position touched by a finger tip of the user; anda display control unit dividing the display unit to a plurality of areasand displaying pieces of information while maintaining arrangement ofdivided areas even when the selected operational mode is changed. Thedisplay control unit displays a plurality of information items allowingthe user to input, using the detecting unit, a request related to aprocess executed by the apparatus as the object of control, at the sameposition in each operational mode. The plurality of information itemsinclude items allowing the user to input at least one of a first requestfor forming data in a final form, a second request for forming data inan intermediate form and a third request for cancelling setting relatedto data formation, in the apparatus as the object of control.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofdisplaying information in an operation console provided on an apparatusas an object of control operating in one operational mode selected by auser from a plurality of operational modes. The method of displayinginformation includes: the display step of displaying informationcorresponding to the selected operational mode on a display panel; thedetecting step of detecting a user request based on a position touchedby a finger tip of the user, on a touch-panel arranged on the displaypanel; and the display control step of dividing the display panel to aplurality of areas and displaying pieces of information whilemaintaining arrangement of divided areas even when the selectedoperational mode is changed. The display control step includes the stepof displaying a plurality of information items allowing the user toinput, through the touch-panel, a request related to a process executedby the apparatus as the object of control, at the same position in eachoperational mode. The plurality of information items include itemsallowing the user to input at least one of a first request for formingdata in a final form, a second request for forming data in anintermediate form and a third request for cancelling setting related todata formation, in the apparatus as the object of control.

By the operation console and the method of displaying information on theoperation console, no matter whether the apparatus as the object ofcontrol operates in the first operational mode or the second operationalmode selected by the user, pieces of information are displayed to theuser with the arrangement of divided areas kept constant. Further, amongthe plurality of areas arranged as described above, even in differentoperational modes, information items allowing the user to input arequest related to a process by the apparatus as the object of controlare displayed on an area arranged at the same position. By way ofexample, assume that the apparatus as the object of control is an imageforming apparatus. On the display panel, an image scan request, a copyrequest or a transmission request as the request related the processexecuted by the apparatus as the object of control is displayed on anarea arranged at the same position, both in the copy mode and thefacsimile mode. Therefore, even when the operational mode is switchedand the display screen image is changed accordingly, the process requestinformation required by the user can easily be found from among thepieces of displayed information. Further, it is possible for the user toeasily find the first request (for example, copy request) for formingdata in the final form, the second request (for example, scan request)for forming data in an intermediate form, and the third request (forexample, request for clearing set parameters) for cancelling setting ofdata formation, even when the operational mode is switched and thedisplay screen image is changed accordingly.

The display control unit may display the plurality of information itemsin the same area in each operational mode.

Even in different operational modes, a plurality of information itemsallowing the user to input a request related to a process executed bythe apparatus as the object of control are displayed on areas arrangedat the same positions. Assuming that the apparatus as the object ofcontrol is an image processing apparatus, a plurality of requestsincluding a request for scanning an image as the object of imageprocessing and a request for processing (editing) the scanned image dataare displayed at the same positions. As a result, even when theoperational mode is switched and the screen image on the operationconsole is changed accordingly, it is possible for the user to easilyfind the plurality of pieces of process request information.

The display control unit may display an item allowing input of the thirdrequest close to another item. Further, the display control unit maydisplay an item allowing input of the third request close to all otheritems.

The item for inputting the third request (request for clearing setparameters) for cancelling setting of data formation is displayed closeto (or immediately adjacent and without any space to) an item or itemsfor inputting other requests. Therefore, the user can easily find theclear request.

The display unit and the detecting unit may constitute a touch-paneldisplay.

Since the touch-panel display having a touch-panel as a detecting unitarranged on the display panel as a display unit is used, even when theoperational mode is switched and the screen image on the touch-paneldisplay is changed accordingly, it is possible for the user to easilyfind the process request button implemented by the touch-panel display.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides anelectronic device provided with the operation console described above.According to a still further aspect, the present invention provides animage processing apparatus provided with the above-described operationconsole.

In the electronic device and the image processing apparatus, it ispossible for the user to easily find the process request informationnecessary for the user, since the request related to the processexecuted by the electronic device or the image processing apparatus isdisplayed on the area arranged at the same position even in differentoperational modes of the electronic device or different operationalmodes of the image processing apparatus (image forming apparatus).

In the image processing apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention, the item allowing input of the first request is informationrelated to an operation button for inputting an image formation request,or information related to an operation button for inputting an imagetransmission request; the item allowing input of the second request isinformation related to an operation button for inputting an imagecapture request; and the item allowing input of the third request isinformation related to an operation button for cancelling contents setfor image processing.

Assume that the image processing apparatus includes the copy mode,facsimile mode and mail mode (or it may further include otheroperational mode or modes). Then, a copy start button for inputting animage formation request, a transmission start button for inputting animage transmission request, a scan start button for inputting a requestfor obtaining an image, a clear button for clearing set parameters andthe like are displayed on the same area on the touch-panel display.Therefore, even when the operational mode is switched and the screenimage on the touch-panel display is changed accordingly, it is possiblefor the user to easily find these buttons displayed on the touch-paneldisplay.

According to the present invention, in an electronic device including animage processing apparatus (image forming apparatus) that operatesswitching among a plurality of operational modes, it is possible to findprocess request information required by the user even when theoperational mode is switched and screen image on the operation consoleis changed accordingly.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the image formingapparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an internal configuration of the imageforming apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a hardware configuration ofthe image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows display areas of a touch-panel display of the image formingapparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a programexecuted by the image forming apparatus in accordance with theembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show exemplary screen images displayed on the touch-paneldisplay of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the embodimentof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, the same components are denoted by thesame reference characters. Their names and functions are also the same.Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention is an image forming apparatus as one type of image processingapparatuses. The display device in accordance with the present inventionmay be applicable to an image processing apparatus or an electronicdevice other than the image forming apparatus. The electronic device inaccordance with the present embodiment may be any apparatus having aplurality of operational modes including an operation console displayingprocess request information such that the user can easily obtain theprocess request information necessary for the user even when the userdoes not remember screen image configuration, when the operational modeof the device is switched and the screen image on the operation consoleis switched accordingly.

The image forming apparatus in accordance with the present embodimentincludes a touch-panel display allowing operation by the gestureoperation method and the touch-operation method not using the gestureoperation. The apparatus, however, may include a touch-panel displayallowing touch operation only.

The image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet of recording paperby electro-photography. The image forming apparatus includes, asoperational modes, copy mode, FAX mode, document filing mode (a mode inwhich a scanned image is stored in a storage device in the image formingapparatus) and mail mode (a mode in which a scanned image is transmittedattached to an electronic mail). The image forming apparatus may furtherinclude network printer mode. The present invention is not limited tothe above, and it may be any image forming apparatus including at leasttwo of the four operational modes, that is, copy mode, FAX mode,document filing mode and mail mode, in which screen image is switchedfor each mode. In the image forming apparatus, a process request relatedto image formation is input by the user pressing a software buttondisplayed on the touch-panel display. In the image forming apparatus,information related to image forming process regarding requests input bythe user (software buttons such as a copy start key and a scan startkey) is always displayed at the same position of the touch-panel displayeven when the operational mode is different. The printing method is notlimited to electro-photography.

[Image Forming Apparatus: Function]

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an image forming apparatus 100 in accordancewith the present embodiment will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, image forming apparatus 100 includes adocument reading unit 102, an image forming unit 104, a paper feed unit106, a paper discharge unit 108 and an operation unit 120. Operationunit 120 includes a touch-panel display 130 and a display operation unit140. Touch-panel display 130 includes a display panel 132 formed of aliquid crystal panel or the like, and a touch-panel 134 arranged ondisplay panel 132, for detecting a position pressed by the user'sfinger. Display operation unit 140 includes a pilot lamp 142, a powerkey 144, an energy-saving key 146, and a home key 148 for returning thedisplay screen image on touch-panel display 130 to a home screen imagefor selection of an operational mode.

As described above, image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with thepresent embodiment is provided with touch-panel display 130 as a mainoperation device, and, in addition, with display operation unit 140including hardware keys and a pilot lamp. The keys (power key 144,energy-saving key 146 and home key 148) of display operation unit 140are hardware buttons, different from the software buttons realized bytouch-panel display 130. It is noted that image forming apparatus 100 isnot limited to one having display operation unit 140 as such, and it maybe provided only with touch-panel display 130. The invention isapplicable to any apparatus in which the display is switched to aninitial screen image of a selected operational mode, when the userselects the operational mode on the home screen image displayed ontouch-panel display 130. The operational modes of image formingapparatus 100 as such will be described.

—Copy Mode—

In the following, an operation in the copy mode will be described. Inthe copy mode, mainly document reading unit (also referred to as ascanner unit) 102 and image forming unit 104 operate.

In image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a platen is read bydocument reading unit 102 as image data. The read image data is input toCPU (Central Processing Unit) 300 implemented, for example, by amicrocomputer shown in FIG. 3. The image data is subjected to variousimage processing operations here, and the resulting image data is outputto image forming unit 104.

Image forming unit 104 is for printing an image of the documentrepresented by the image data on a recording medium (in most cases, on asheet of recording paper). Image forming unit 104 includes aphotoreceptor drum 222, a charger 224, a laser scanning unit(hereinafter denoted as LSU) 226, a developer 228, a transfer device230, a cleaning device 232, a fixing device 234 and a neutralizer, notshown.

In image forming unit 104, a main feeding path 236 and a reverse feedingpath 238 are provided, and a sheet of recording paper fed from paperfeed unit 106 is fed along main feeding path 236. Paper feed unit 106draws out sheets of recording paper stacked on a paper feed cassette 240or on a manual feed tray 242 one by one, and feeds the sheet of paper tomain feeding path 236 of image forming unit 104.

While the sheet of recording paper is fed along main feeding path 236 ofimage forming unit 104, the sheet passes between photoreceptor drum 222and transfer device 230, and further passes through fixing device 234,whereby printing is done on the sheet of recording paper.

Photoreceptor drum 222 rotates in one direction, and its surface iscleaned by cleaning device 232 and the neutralizer and, thereafter,uniformly charged by charger 224.

LSU 226 modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed,and repeatedly scans the surface of photoreceptor drum 222 with themodulated laser beam in a main scanning direction, whereby anelectrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of photoreceptordrum 222.

Developer 228 develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying tonerto the surface of photoreceptor drum 222, and thus, a toner image isformed on the surface of photoreceptor drum 222.

Transfer device 230 transfers the toner image on the surface ofphotoreceptor drum 222 to the sheet of recording paper passing betweentransfer device 230 and the photoreceptor drum 222.

Fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 and a pressure roller250. Heating roller 248 is for heating the sheet of recording paper.Pressure roller 250 is for pressing the sheet of recording paper. As thesheet of recording paper is heated by heating roller 248 and pressed bypressure roller 250, the toner image that has been transferred to thesheet of recording paper is fixed on the sheet. A heater is heated byelectric power supplied to fixing device 234 and controlled such thattemperature of heating roller 248 attains to an appropriate temperaturefor fixing. When operational mode is changed to the energy saving mode,power supply to the heater is, for example, stopped or reduced.

At a position of connection between main feeding path 236 and reversefeeding path 238, a separation pawl 244 is arranged. When printing isdone only on one side of the sheet of recording paper, separation pawl244 is so positioned that the sheet of recording paper fed from fixingdevice 234 is guided to paper discharge tray 246 or a paper dischargeunit 108.

When printing is done on both sides of the sheet of recording paper,separation pawl 244 is turned to a prescribed direction, so that thesheet of recording paper is guided to reverse feeding path 238. Thesheet of recording paper passes through reverse feeding path 238, turnedupside-down and again fed to main feeding path 236, and while it isagain fed along main feeding path 236, printing is done on its rearsurface, and thereafter the sheet is guided to paper discharge tray 246or to paper discharge unit 108.

The sheet of recording paper printed in the above-described manner isguided to paper discharge tray 246 or to paper discharge unit 108, anddischarged to paper discharge tray 246 or to any of paper dischargetrays 110 of paper discharge unit 108.

Paper discharge unit 108 may perform a process of sorting a plurality ofprinted sheets of paper to be output to different discharge trays 110, aprocess of punching each sheet of recording paper or a process ofstapling the sheets of recording paper. Assume that a number of copiesof the printing are to be prepared. In that case, sheets of recordingpaper are sorted and discharged to paper discharge trays 110 such thateach tray 110 contains each set of printed sheets, and the set ofprinted sheets in each tray 110 is stapled or punched.

—Facsimile Mode—

In the following, an operation in the facsimile mode will be described.In the facsimile mode, the facsimile function is realized bytransmission and reception operations. In the transmission operation,document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 and FAX communication unit 160mainly operate. In the reception operation, FAX communication unit 160and image forming unit 104 mainly operate.

Transmission Operation

In image forming apparatus 100, the facsimile mode is designated. Adocument placed on the platen is read by document reading unit 102 asimage data. The read image data is input to CPU 300 implemented, forexample, by a microcomputer shown in FIG. 3, the image data is subjectedto various image processing operations here, and the resulting imagedata is output to a FAX communication unit (FAX communication unit 160of FIG. 3).

FAX communication unit 160 of image forming apparatus 100 on thetransmitting side connects a designated transmitting side line to adesignated transmission destination. FAX communication unit 160 convertsthe image data to communication data in compliance with facsimiletransmission standard, and transmits the converted data to a facsimilemachine (such as an image forming apparatus having the facsimilefunction) on the receiving side.

Communication Operation

When the line is connected, a FAX communication unit of the imageforming apparatus on the receiving side detects a communication requestsignal from FAX communication unit 160 of image forming apparatus 100 onthe transmitting side, and transmits an acknowledgement signal.Thereafter, by way of example, FAX communication units on thetransmitting and receiving sides pass performance information supportedby transmitting side and receiving side, determine highest possiblespeed of communication and method of coding/code correction of imagedata, and set the method of communication of modems. Then, using theimage signal format in compliance with the communication method, data istransmitted from FAX communication unit 160 of image forming apparatus100 on the transmitting side to the FAX communication unit of imageforming apparatus on the receiving side. When transmission ends, theline is disconnected.

Reception Operation

When image forming apparatus 100 is on the receiving side, FAXcommunication unit 160 converts the received data to image data andpasses the data to an image forming unit 104. The received data may beconverted to image data at the image forming unit 104. The image formingunit 104 prints an image of a document represented by the image dataconverted from the received data on a sheet of recording paper, in amanner similar to the operation in the copy mode described above.

— Document Filing Mode—

In the following, an operation in the document filing mode will bedescribed. In the document filing mode, mainly document reading unit(scanner unit) 102 and image forming unit 104 operate.

In image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on the platen is readby document reading unit 102 as image data. The read image data is inputto CPU 300 and subjected to various image processing operations here.The resulting image data is stored in a storage device (hard disk drive302 as will be described later) provided in image forming apparatus 100.

The stored image data is read from the hard disk drive by the userdesignating the file name, and printed on a sheet of recording paper inthe similar manner as in the copy mode described above.

—Mail Mode (Scan-to-Mail)—

In the following, description will be given on an operation in the mailmode. In the mail mode, document reading unit (scanner unit) 102 andnetwork interface 304 mainly operate.

The image communication mode provided in image forming apparatus 100includes the facsimile mode and the electronic mail communication mode(mail mode, scan-to-mail). In the facsimile mode, image data istransmitted/received by public line through FAX communication unit 160as described above. In the electronic mail communication mode (mailmode, scan-to-mail), the image data is transmitted/received by theInternet line in the form of an attachment to an electronic mail,through network interface 304. Image forming apparatus 100 may furtherinclude Internet facsimile mode or image transfer mode (scan-to-PCfolder). In the Internet facsimile mode, the image data istransmitted/received by the Internet line through network interface 304.In the image transfer mode (scan-to-PC folder), the image data istransferred to a folder of a specific personal computer (PC) using anetwork line.

In image forming apparatus 100, a document placed on a platen is read bydocument reading unit 102 as image data. The read image data is input toCPU 300, and subjected to various image processing operations here. Theresulting image data is transmitted, attached to an electronic mail.

Different from the facsimile mode in which a telephone number oftransmission destination is designated, a mail address of thetransmission destination is designated in the mail mode.

[Image Forming Apparatus: Control Block Configuration]

Referring to FIG. 3, image forming apparatus 100 further includesoperation unit 120, ROM (Read Only Memory) 306, a hard disk drive(hereinafter denoted as HDD) 302, and an RAM (Random Access Memory) 308.Operation unit 120 allows setting of functions related to the copy mode,facsimile mode, document filing mode and mail mode. ROM 306 storesprograms and the like. HDD 302 is a non-volatile storage area capable ofstoring programs and data even when power is cut off. RAM 308 provides astorage area when a program is executed.

Image forming apparatus 100 further includes a bus 310 and CPU 300.Document reading unit 102, image forming unit 104, FAX communicationunit 160, operation unit 120, ROM 306, HDD 302, RAM 308, and CPU 300 areconnected to bus 310. CPU 300 realizes general functions as the imageforming apparatus.

HDD 302 stores files of image data of documents scanned by image formingapparatus 100, folder by folder, together with date and time of savingand name of the user who saved. Further, HDD 302 stores initial screenimage data of each operational mode.

ROM 306 stores programs and data necessary for controlling operations ofimage forming apparatus 100. The initial screen image data of eachoperational mode may be stored as data to be stored together with theprogram in ROM 306. CPU 300 controls image forming apparatus 100 inaccordance with the programs and data stored in ROM 306, and executescontrol related to various functions of image forming apparatus 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, a public line is connected fortransmitting/receiving image data, to FAX communication unit 160 ofimage forming apparatus 100. To network interface 304, a network line isconnected. To the network line, a computer or the like using imageforming apparatus 100 as a network-supported printer may be connected.To the network line, a computer or the like identified by a URL (UniformResource Locator) designated through the Internet may be connected. Whenconnected to the Internet, image forming apparatus 100 can obtainnecessary information through the Internet.

RAM 308 provides a function of a working memory for temporarily storingresults of operations and processes by CPU 300, and a function of aframe memory for storing image data.

CPU 300 controls document reading unit 102, image forming unit 104, ROM306, HDD 302, RAM 308 and touch-panel display 130 and display operationunit 140 forming operation unit 120, by executing a prescribed programor programs. Operation unit 120 communicates with CPU 300 through aninput/output interface.

Operation unit 120 is formed of a plate-shaped panel provided in aninclined manner to be easily viewable by the user. On a surface ofoperation unit 120, touch-panel display 130 is provided on the left sidearea, and display operation unit 140 (pilot lamp 142 and power key 144,energy-saving key 146 and home key 148 as hardware buttons) is providedon the right side area. Touch-panel display 130 and display operationunit 140 form operation unit 120 as one integrated body as a whole.

As described above, touch-panel display 130 is formed of display panel132 and touch-panel 134 arranged on display panel 132. On display panel132 of touch-panel display 130, a home screen image allowing selectionof an operational mode of image forming apparatus 100, current state ofimage forming apparatus 100, status of destination designation, andstatus of job processing are displayed. On a display area of displaypanel 132, selection buttons as software buttons are displayed. When aportion where the selection button is displayed is pressed, the pressedposition is detected by the touch-panel 134. By comparing the displayposition of the selection button and the position where the touch-panel134 is pressed using a program, selection of an operational mode,setting of a function, and instruction of an operation of image formingapparatus 100 become possible. In addition to such a touch operation(command input operation based on the position of pressing by the user),image forming apparatus 100 also allows gesture operation (command inputoperation based on trajectory of operation by the user) as describedabove.

Pilot lamp 142 of display operation unit 140 is, for example, an LED(Light Emitting Diode). It is turned on/off (/flickered) under thecontrol of CPU 300. When the user presses power key 144 providedseparate from a main power switch, image forming apparatus 100 makes atransition from a standby mode (in which, for example, only the FAXreceiving operation is possible with the main power on) to a normalmode, in which every operational mode of image forming apparatus 100 isusable. In this state, pilot lamp 142 is turned and kept on. If apredetermined time passes without any user operation, or if the userpresses energy-saving key 146, image forming apparatus 100 makes atransition from the normal mode to the energy saving mode. In the energysaving mode, only some of the operational modes of image formingapparatus 100 can be used. In this state, pilot lamp 142 flickers.Further, if the user presses energy-saving key 146 in the energy savingmode, the image forming apparatus 100 makes a transition from the energysaving mode to the normal mode. Home key 148 is a hardware key forreturning the display of touch-panel display 130 to the initial state(home screen image). The processes performed when power key 144,energy-saving key 146 and home key 148 are pressed are not limited tothe above.

In a hardware button (power key 144, energy-saving key 146 and home key148) of display operation unit 140, a key lamp or key lamps, whichis/are turned on/off (/flickered) under the control of CPU 300, may beembedded. By way of example, the key lamps provide a light ring on theedge of a circular key, or the key lamp lights a central portion of thekey. The key lamp is turned on at a timing when hardware buttons areallowed to be used as the operation device (at a timing when a processis executed if the hardware button is used).

Image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with the present embodimentincludes the four operational modes (copy mode, facsimile mode, documentfiling mode and mail mode) as described above. On touch-panel display130, software buttons for setting functions in respective operationalmodes are displayed, and buttons for setting a destination or a previewas an expected image, for example, are displayed as needed.

In different operational modes, different screen images are displayed ontouch-panel display 130. In order to allow the user to easily find arequired piece of information even in such a state, touch-panel display130 is divided into a plurality of areas (with the size of each areamade variable), and pieces of information are displayed in these areas.More specifically, in image forming apparatus 100, if an operationalmode is selected on the home screen image of touch-panel display 130provided as a main display operation device, the initial screen image ofeach operational mode is displayed. In the initial screen image, a basiclayout is such that the screen image is divided into five areas (“systemarea,” “function selecting area,” “preview area,” “action panel area,”and “task trigger area”) and arranged appropriately. Therefore, by auser operation starting from an upper left portion to a lower rightportion, easy setting is possible (since the flow lines of the user'sviewpoint and finger tip are similar to those in a conventional devicenot provided with such a large touch-panel display 130). Further,concepts of the pieces of information displayed on respective ones ofthe five areas are common among different operational modes, so thatfunction setting operation and process request operation (particularly,the process request operation) by the user without any confusion becomepossible even in different operational modes. In the following, thearrangement of basic layout will be described.

[Basic Layout Arrangement]

FIG. 4 shows a basic layout on touch-panel display 130 of image formingapparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 4, the basic layout oflandscape-oriented touch-panel display 130 (for example, of 1024pixels×600 pixels) includes system area 1000, preview area 3000,function setting/confirmation area 2000 (hereinafter referred to asfunction selecting area 2000), action panel area 4000 and task triggerarea 5000. Specifically, system area 1000 is arranged at the uppermostportion of the screen image, and preview area 3000 is arranged at thecenter of the screen image. Function selecting area 2000 is placed onthe left side of preview area 3000, and action panel area 4000 is placedon the right side of preview area 3000. Task trigger area 5000 is placedon the lower right side of preview area 3000. The number of areas is notlimited to five, the arrangement on the left and right sides is notlimited to the above. By way of example, the left/right arrangement ofareas may be reversed, depending on the dominant hand of the user.System area 1000 may be positioned at the lowermost portion of thescreen image.

On system area 1000, pieces of information related to the current statusand state of image forming apparatus 100 are displayed. By way ofexample, on system area 1000, an operational mode name, an interruptionkey, a log-in user name, status of a currently processed job, state ofuse of an internal memory, time and the like are displayed.

On function selecting area 2000, a function selection menu (icons,buttons and the like) operated by the user for setting each function,switching display and confirming setting, is displayed. The manner ofdisplay of function selecting area 2000 is changed depending on whetherit is in an icon mode, a regular mode or an express mode. In the iconmode, only the icons for setting functions are displayed in functionselecting area 2000, so as to ensure the widest preview area 3000. Inthe express mode, a large screen image allowing setting of functions atone time is displayed in function selecting area 2000, while previewarea 3000 is made the smallest. In the regular mode, the size of previewarea 3000 is medium size between that in the icon mode and that in theexpress mode. In function selecting area 2000, function names aredisplayed in text, together with the icons for setting functions.

Switching among the icon mode, regular mode and express mode is donebased on an operation by the user. Specifically, the size of previewarea 3000 is changed in accordance with the user's operation. Sinceicons can transmit pieces of information to the user in a small area, itis preferred to prepare icons for all functions, so as to allow displayof preview area 3000 in a large size.

At a lower portion of function selecting area 2000, a group of changebuttons 2010 are provided, for changing style of display of functionselecting area 2000. Among the group of change buttons 2010, an iconmode entering button 2012, a “favorite” button 2014, a check button2016, a list button 2018, a regular mode entering button 2020, and anexpress mode entering button 2022 are provided. Icon mode enteringbutton 2012 is for displaying function selecting area 2000 in the iconmode. Favorite button 2014 is for displaying functions registered as“favorites.” Check button 2016 is for displaying a function of whichsetting has been changed. List button 2018 is for displaying a list ofall functions that can be set in the selected operational mode. Regularmode entering button 2020 is for displaying function selecting area 2000in the regular mode. Express mode entering button 2022 is for displayingfunction selecting area 2000 in the express mode.

If a large amount of information is to be displayed on functionselecting area 2000, pieces of information are displayed in anupward/downward scrollable manner. In that case, the group of changebuttons 2010 are not scrolled but constantly displayed at the lowermostportion of function selecting area 2000.

In preview area 3000, an image of expected document output (finishedform) is displayed. Specifically, an image is displayed using dummy dataor scanned data. Every time the user designates the manner of finish,the image displayed on preview area 3000 changes. Preview area 3000 hastwo display modes. One is a virtual mode before scanning, in whichfinished form of a dummy image is displayed. Another display mode is ascan-in mode after scanning, in which finished form of the actual imageis displayed. The virtual mode has two types, that is, before setting anoriginal document and after setting an original document.

At a lower portion of preview area 3000, a group of preview changingbuttons 3010 are provided, for changing the style of display of previewarea 3000. Among the group of preview changing buttons 3010, a left-turnbutton 3016, a right-turn button 3018, and a zoom bar 3020 are provided.Left-turn button 3016 turns the preview 90 degrees to the left, andright-turn button 3018 turns the preview 90 degrees to the right. Inaddition to these buttons, a color changing button 3012 and previewoperation button 3014, for example, are provided.

When left-turn button 3016 is touch-operated once, the preview is turned90 degrees to the left, and when touch-operated twice, the preview isturned 180 degrees to the left (vertically flipped). Similarly, when theimage of finished document displayed on the preview area isgesture-operated (when the document image is rotated 180 degreescounterclockwise by one's finger), the preview is turned 180 degrees tothe left and vertically flipped.

When right-turn button 3018 is touch-operated once, the preview isturned 90 degrees to the right, and when touch-operated twice, thepreview is turned 180 degrees to the right (vertically flipped).Similarly, when the image of finished document displayed on the previewarea is gesture-operated (when the document image is rotated 180 degreesclockwise by one's finger), the preview is turned 180 degrees to theright and vertically flipped.

When a plus button 3020A of zoom bar 3020 is touch-operated or if bar3020C is gesture-operated (slid) to the side of plus button 3020A, thepreview is displayed in an enlarged size. Similarly, when the image offinished document displayed on the preview area is gesture-operated(when the document image is pinched-out/pinched-open by finger tips),the preview is displayed in an enlarged size.

When a minus button 3020B of zoom bar 3020 is touch-operated or if bar3020C is gesture-operated (slid) to the side of minus button 3020B, thepreview is displayed in a reduced size. Similarly, when the image offinished document displayed on the preview area is gesture-operated(when the document image is pinched-in/pinched-close by finger tips),the preview is displayed in a reduced size.

If the number of pages of the document image to be displayed on previewarea 3000 is large, a display page selection button (a page number inputbutton, page feed button, page return button, single page displaybutton, plural page display button or the like) that can betouch-operated may be displayed. Page feed and page return of thepreviewed document is also possible by a gesture-operation (flick) ofthe document image. If the document image displayed on preview area 3000is large, a scroll bar that can be touch-operated or gesture-operatedmay be displayed.

On action panel area 4000, pieces of information related to assistance,guidance and suggestion related to the operation are displayed. Onaction panel area 4000, if, for instance, a user selects a specificfunction, functions related to the selected function may be displayed,other functions related to the selected function in object-orientedmanner may be displayed, or functions selected in the past by the useror a user of a group to which the user belongs in relation to theselected function may be displayed as “recommended functions.”

On task trigger area 5000, trigger items operated by the user toactually operate image forming apparatus 100 when all settings are donefor the operational mode are displayed. For instance, in the copy mode,a start key for starting the process for forming an image on a sheet ofrecording paper (the process for forming data in the final form), or ascan-in key for starting a process for scanning and obtaining image datato be formed on the sheet of paper (the process for forming data in theintermediate form) are displayed. In an operational mode involvingprinting (other than facsimile transmission), information related to runout of consumables is also displayed on task trigger area 5000, since itleads to a task failure. Whenever task trigger area 5000 is displayed ontouch-panel display 130, it is displayed on the lower right area oftouch-panel display 130, regardless of the operational mode.

In task trigger area 5000, it is preferred to display the start buttononly when the state allows pressing of the start button. The state thatallows pressing of the start button refers to a state in which allsettings have been done, and consumables (recording paper and toner) areavailable, in the operational mode involving printing. In the facsimilemode (transmission) as an operational mode not involving printing, it isa state in which settings of all transmission parameters including adestination have been done.

The positions where these five areas are arranged are not changed evenwhen the operational mode is changed (not changed in the initial screenimage of any operational mode). Similar to the switched display in theicon mode/regular mode/express mode of function selecting area 2000 (andpreview area 3000), the size of each area is changed, reduced/enlargedin the lateral direction (longitudinal direction) of touch-paneldisplay.

These five areas are arranged in consideration of the flow line ofuser's viewpoint and the flow line of user's operation, in addition tothe user interface of conventional devices (for example, in most of theconventional apparatuses, a start key as a hardware button is arrangedon the right side or lower right side of the operation unit). With suchan arrangement, the user's viewpoint moves from upper left to lowerright, and the user operation (finger tip of the dominant hand) movesfrom upper left to lower right. This advantageously enables auser-friendly operation. In image forming apparatus 100, the sheet ofrecording paper on which an image has been formed is discharged from theleft to the right side, to discharge tray 110 provided on the right side(when viewed from the front side) of image forming apparatus 100 or todischarge tray 246 in the body. Since the sheet of recording paper isdischarged in this direction and touch-panel display 130 is provided onthe front left side of image forming apparatus 100, it is easy topick-up a sheet of recording paper discharged to discharge tray 110 orto discharge tray 246 in the body, using the hand that pressed the startbutton on task trigger area 5000 provided on the lower right area oftouch-panel display 130.

The present embodiment is characterized in that task trigger area 5000is displayed at the same position of touch-panel display 130 even whenthe operational mode is different, and the contents displayed thereinare related to the trigger items operated by the user for actuallyoperating image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, on touch-panel display130 of image forming apparatus 100, it is not always necessary to haveall four areas displayed in addition to task trigger area 5000. By wayof example, when at least the preview area 3000 and task trigger area5000 are displayed on touch-panel display 130, it is possible to operatea software button displayed on task trigger area 5000 while the finishedstate is confirmed by the preview image displayed on preview area 3000,so that the process can be started immediately.

For making a transition from one operational mode to another, home key148 is pressed to display a home screen image, and thereby to selectanother operational mode on the home screen image. In this manner, theoperational mode is switched through the home screen image.

Image forming apparatus 100 is provided with touch-panel display 130displaying pieces of information in consideration of flow lines ofuser's viewpoint and user's operation. The display process ontouch-panel display 130 is realized by software executed using thehardware configuration described above. The software configuration willbe described.

[Software Configuration]

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a programexecuted by CPU 300 of image forming apparatus 100. CPU 300 of imageforming apparatus 100 executes, in parallel with the program, a programfor realizing general functions of an image forming apparatus. Theprogram, however, is not directly related to the characteristic portionof the present invention and, therefore, details thereof will not bedescribed here. Of the four operational modes, only the copy mode andthe FAX mode will be described in the following. It is noted, however,that image forming apparatus 100 operates not only in the copy mode andthe FAX mode, and it is used with at least two operational modesswitched. In both of the two operational modes, task trigger area 500 isdisplayed at the same position on touch-panel display 130.

Referring to FIG. 5, at step (hereinafter “step” will be denoted by S)10000, CPU 300 of image forming apparatus 100 (hereinafter simplyreferred to as CPU 300) determines whether or not image formingapparatus 100 is powered on. Here, it is assumed that the main power foroperating CPU 300 has been on, and when power key 144 is pressed, CPU300 determines that image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. Thedetermination of YES may be made if the main power is turned on, atS10000. If it is determined that image forming apparatus 100 is poweredon (YES at S10000), the process proceeds to S10010. Otherwise (NO atS10000), the process of S10000 is repeated until it is determined thatimage forming apparatus 100 is powered on.

At S10010, CPU 300 displays a warm-up screen image on touch-paneldisplay 130. While the warm-up screen image is displayed on touch-paneldisplay 130, by way of example, a system check process and the processof supplying electric power to the heater to heat heating roller 248 areexecuted.

At S10020, CPU 300 determines whether or not warm-up is complete. If itis determined that warm-up is complete (YES at S10020), the processproceeds to S10030. Otherwise (NO at S10020), the process of S10020 isrepeated until warm-up is complete.

At S10030, CPU 300 displays the home screen image on touch-panel display130. At S10040, CPU 300 determines whether or not an operational mode isselected. CPU 300 determines that an operational mode is selected whenan icon (an icon representing an operational mode) displayed on the homescreen image is touched, tapped or double-tapped. If it is determinedthat an operational mode is selected (YES at S10040), the processproceeds to S10060. Otherwise (NO at S10040), the process returns toS10030, and the processes of S10030 and S10040 are executed. As to theicon operation, any gesture operation other than touching, tapping anddouble-tapping is not excluded. Any touch-operation or gesture-operationon touch-panel display 130 may be done. Simple description of “pressing”may refer to any of these operations.

At S10060, CPU 300 determines whether the selected operational mode isthe copy mode or facsimile mode. If the selected operational mode isdetermined to be the copy mode (copy at S10060), the process proceeds toS10070. If the selected operational mode is determined to be thefacsimile mode (FAX at S10060), the process proceeds to S10110.

At S10070, CPU 300 reads copy initial screen image data stored, forexample, in HDD 302. At S10080, CPU 300 displays the initial screenimage for the copy mode on touch-panel display 130 using the read copyinitial screen image data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S10200.

At S10110, CPU 300 reads FAX initial screen image data stored, forexample, in HDD 302. At S10120, CPU 300 displays the initial screenimage for the FAX mode on touch-panel display 130 using the read FAXinitial screen image data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S10200.

At S10200, CPU 300 determines whether or not a request is input in theselected operational mode. If it is determined that a user request hasbeen input (YES at S10200), the process proceeds to S10210. Otherwise(NO at S10200), the process proceeds to S10220.

At S10210, CPU 300 executes the process requested by the user, in imageforming apparatus 100. Then, the process ends.

At S10220, CPU 300 determines whether or not the home key is pressed. Ifit is determined that the home key is pressed (YES at S10220), theprocess proceeds to S10030. Otherwise (NO at S10220), the processreturns to S10200 to determine whether or not a user request is input.

It is also possible to display a log-in screen image at the completionof warm-up (YES at S10020). Though the log-in operation after completionof warm-up is not described in the following, it is assumed that log-inis required of the user to use image forming apparatus 100.

Further, the request input by the user at S10200 may be a request beforeprinting that does not necessarily cause the actual printing by imageforming apparatus 100. Specifically, the request may include a change inthe display mode of function selecting area 2000, function setting onfunction selecting area 2000, and a change in the manner of displayingthe preview on preview area 3000. If such a request before printing ismade, corresponding operation is done at S10210, and after S10210, theprocess returns to S10200 to wait for an input of a further request(eventually a scan request, print request or the like using theoperation button displayed on the task trigger area).

[Operation]

The operation of image forming apparatus 100 in accordance with thepresent embodiment based on the configuration and flowchart as abovewill be described with reference to the exemplary displays ontouch-panel display 130 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8.

—Home Screen Image Display Operation—

When the user presses power key 144 of image forming apparatus 100 (YESat S10000), the warm-up screen image is displayed on touch-panel display130 (S10010) until warm-up is complete (NO at S10020). At this time, itis preferred that image forming apparatus 100 prepares pieces ofinformation that can be displayed even during system check and usefulfor the user who is going to use image forming apparatus 100, and thatthe warm-up screen image including such pieces of information isdisplayed on touch-panel display 130.

When warm-up is complete (YES at S10020), the home screen image isdisplayed on touch-panel display 130 (S10030). At this time, ontouch-panel display 130, a home screen image 6000 such as shown in FIG.6 is displayed. On home screen image 6000, not all of the five areas ofthe layout described above are displayed. As shown in FIG. 6, on homescreen image 6000, icons (icons representing operational modes) allowingselection of an operational mode are displayed on most part oftouch-panel display 130, regardless of the five areas.

Referring to FIG. 6, home screen image 6000 includes a home system area6100 corresponding to the system area described above, an icon displayarea 6200, an icon display switching tub-button 6300, and a memo displayarea 6400.

On home system area 6100, an area 6102 displaying an icon representingthe home screen image, an area 6104 displaying the name of the displayedscreen image, an area 6106 displaying the logged-in user name, an area6108 displaying a log-out button (software button), and an area 6110displaying the current time, are arranged.

On icon display area 6200, icons 6210-6274 representing operationalmodes are displayed together with the names or abbreviations of theoperational modes. The name or abbreviation of the operational mode isnot indispensable. In the present embodiment, there are at least fouroperational modes (copy mode, facsimile mode, document filing mode, andmail mode). Therefore, an icon 6242 for selecting the copy mode, an icon6232 for selecting the facsimile mode, an icon 6254 for selecting thedocument filing mode and an icon 6240 for selecting the mail mode aredisplayed on icon display area 6200. In FIG. 6, icons for selectingother operational modes, icons for selecting other setting modes (forexample, system setting and language setting), and icons for displayingother screen images (for example, job status) are also displayed.

As shown in FIG. 6, in icon display area 6200, icons on the centralcolumn (for example, icons 6240, 6242 and 6244) are displayed largerthan icons on the left and right sides thereof (for example, icons 6230and 6250 with respect to icon 6240, icons 6232 and 6252 with respect toicon 6242, and icons 6234 and 6254 with respect to icon 6244). In icondisplay area 6200, icons at the central row (for example, icons 6232,6242 and 6252) are displayed larger than icons on the upper and lowersides thereof (for example, icons 6230 and 6234 with respect to icon6232, icons 6240 and 6244 with respect to icon 6242, and icons 6250 and6254 with respect to icon 6252). In this manner, in icon display area6200, the icons are displayed to be horizontally and verticallysymmetrical in size, with the size being the largest at the center(center at the central column).

When the user makes a flick operation to the left with his/her finger onicon display area 6200 displayed on the screen of touch-panel display130, icons displayed on the screen move as if they flow in the directionindicated by an arrow 6010. When the user makes a flick operation to theright, icons displayed on the screen move as if they flow in thedirection indicated by an arrow 6020. The distance of movement isdetermined, for example, in accordance with the width of movement of thefinger tip in the flick operation. The distance of movement may be aprescribed distance set in advance for one flick operation. If a mannerof display in which a plurality of icons are arranged on a virtualcylinder is adopted for icon display area 6200, it becomes possible todisplay the icons in an endless manner.

On memo display area 6400, a piece of maintenance information or thelike to be notified to every user of image forming apparatus 100 isdisplayed.

—Operation of Displaying Initial Screen Image in Copy Mode—

If icon 6242 shown in FIG. 6 is touched, tapped or double tapped by thefinger tip of a user, it is determined that the operational mode isselected (YES at S10040), and that the selected operational mode is thecopy mode (copy at S10060). Using the copy initial screen image dataread from HDD 302 or the like, the initial screen image of copy mode isdisplayed on touch-panel display 130 (S10080). By way of example, aninitial screen image 7100 for the copy mode shown in FIG. 7 is displayedon touch-panel display 130. As shown in FIG. 7, copy mode initial screenimage 7100 is divided into five areas of the layout described above, onwhich pieces of information are displayed.

Referring to FIG. 7, on system area 1000 of copy mode initial screenimage 7100, an area 1102 indicating the selected operational mode (here,copy mode), an area 1104 displaying sub information related to theselected operational mode, an area 1106 displaying the logged-in username, an area 1108 displaying a log-out button (software button), anarea 1110 displaying the job status of the currently executed job, anarea 1112 displaying a button related to the job status (softwarebutton), an area 1114 displaying the communication state, and an area1116 indicating the current time, are arranged.

In area 1102, a name and/or icon representing the operational mode isdisplayed. It is preferred that if area 1102 is touched, tapped ordouble-topped, a menu showing operational modes is pulled-down, allowingswitching of the operational mode (the same applies to other operationalmodes).

In area 1104, an interruption key (software button) is displayed as subinformation. If the interruption key is touched, tapped ordouble-tapped, an interruption process can be executed in the copy mode.

In area 1106, job status of the currently executed job is indicated byan icon. If the job status is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailedinformation of job status is displayed. Further, it is preferred todisplay a button or the like to stop the selected job in area 1112.

In function selecting area 2000 of copy mode initial screen image 7100,a function selection menu allowing selection by the user in the copymode and the group of change buttons 2010 described above are displayed.In the screen image shown in FIG. 7, the function selection menu isdisplayed in the regular mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, the function selection menu displayed in the regularmode includes a group of icons 2100 and a group of texts 2120. In thefunction selection menu displayed on function selecting area 2000,corresponding to an icon 2102 for setting the number of copies, a text2122 showing the set contents is displayed. Corresponding to an icon2104 for setting color mode, a text 2124 showing the set contents isdisplayed. Corresponding to an icon 2106 for setting copy density, atext 2126 showing the set contents is displayed. Corresponding to anicon 2108 for setting copy magnification, a text 2128 showing the setcontents is displayed. Corresponding to an icon 2110 for settingdocument type, a text 2130 showing the set contents is displayed.Corresponding to an icon 2112 for setting paper type, a text 2132showing the set contents is displayed. Corresponding to an icon 2114 forimage edition, a text 2134 showing the set contents is displayed.Corresponding to an icon 2116 for layout edition, a text 2136 showingthe set contents is displayed.

As described above, further items on the function setting menu may bedisplayed in upward/downward scrollable manner, with the displayposition of group of change buttons 2010 fixed. It is possible to switchthe items displayed on the function setting menu including the itemshidden at the upper or lower portion and not displayed, either by thetouch-operation (scroll operation) or gesture-operation (upward/downwardflick operation).

Here, image edition refers to image edition of one page of document. Alower layer menu thereof includes frame erasure, print menu, watermark,user stamp and the like. The layout edition refers to image edition of aplurality of pages of the document. The lower layer menu thereofincludes page collection, margin, page movement, centering and the like.The lower layer menu of the displayed function selection menu appears ontouch-panel display 130 if any of icons 2102 to 2116 or texts 2122 to2136 is touched, tapped or double-tapped.

In preview area 3000 of copy mode initial screen image 7100, an image ofexpected document output (finished form) 3100 and the group of previewchanging buttons 3010 described above are arranged. Here, image 3100 isdisplayed using dummy data or scanned data. Every time the user changesthe function setting menu of function selecting area 2000, image 3100 ischanged and displayed on preview area 3000 (preview display is changed).

In action panel area 4000 of copy mode initial screen image 7100, piecesof information related to assistance, guidance and suggestion related tothe copy operation are displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, recommendedfunctions in the copy mode selected by the user are displayed. In actionpanel area 4000, an area 4100 showing the contents of displayedinformation, and areas 4102 to 4106 showing, as texts, the recommendedfunctions and serving as software buttons are arranged.

When area 4102 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailed informationof energy-saving copy is pulled-down and displayed. Here, a softwarebutton allowing transition to a function setting screen image fordouble-sided copy is displayed, together with a text message of, forexample, “double-sided copy saves paper.” At the same time, a softwarebutton allowing transition to a function setting screen image for pagecollection is displayed, together with a text message of “collectiveprinting of pages saves paper.” Further, a software button allowingtransition to a function setting screen image for saddle stitch isdisplayed, together with a text message of “printing for bookbindingavailable.”

In task trigger area 5000 of copy mode initial screen image 7100, agroup of execution buttons 5100 are displayed. As the group of executionbuttons 5100, a scan-in key 5102, a clear all key 5104, a monochromestart key 5106 and a color start key 5108 are arranged. These are allsoftware buttons. Scan-in key 5102 is for operating image formingapparatus 100 to scan a document and obtain image data. Clear all key5104 is for clearing set function or functions (for clearing setparameters related to functions). Monochrome start key 5106 is foroperating image forming apparatus 100 to scan a document (or to useimage data that has been already scanned and stored) and start copyingin black and white. Color start key 5108 is for operating image formingapparatus 100 to scan a document (or to use image data that has beenalready scanned and stored) and start color copying.

Scan-in key 5102, clear all key 5104, monochrome start key 5106 andcolor start key 5108 arranged as the group of execution buttons 5100 arearranged close to each other. The manner of arrangement close to eachother includes adjacent arrangement without any space between eachother. Though these keys have substantially the same size, clear all key5104 is smaller than other keys. The start key for starting the processfor forming an image on a sheet of recording paper (the process forgenerating data in the final form) in the copy mode is shown as twokeys, that is, monochrome start key 5106 and color start key 5108. Thesekeys may be displayed as one start key. In that case, it is preferred todisplay the start key in a size different from scan-in key 5102 forstarting the process for scanning and obtaining image data to be formedon a sheet of recording paper (the process for generating data in theintermediate form) (by way of example, the start key for generating datain the final form may be made larger than the scan-in key for generatingdata in the intermediate form). The number of buttons included in thegroup of execution buttons 5100 displayed on task trigger area 5000 isnot limited to four. Even if the number is four, the types are notlimited to the four types described above. For instance, sinceinformation related to run out of consumables may be displayed on tasktrigger area 5000, since it leads to a task failure.

If a user inputs a request (YES at S10200) on copy mode initial screenimage 7100 displaying pieces of information in five divided areas, acopy process is executed in accordance with the request (S10210).

—Operation of Displaying Initial Screen Image in FAX Mode—

If icon 6232 shown in FIG. 6 is touched, tapped or double tapped by thefinger tip of a user, it is determined that the operational mode isselected (YES at S10040), and that the selected operational mode is theFAX mode (FAX at S10060). Using the FAX initial screen image data readfrom HDD 302 or the like, the initial screen image of FAX mode isdisplayed on touch-panel display 130 (S10100). By way of example, aninitial screen image 7300 for the FAX mode shown in FIG. 8 is displayedon touch-panel display 130. As shown in FIG. 8, FAX mode initial screenimage 7300 is divided into five areas of the layout described above, onwhich pieces of information are displayed.

Referring to FIG. 8, on system area 1000 of FAX mode initial screenimage 7300, an area 1302 indicating the selected operational mode (here,FAX mode), an area 1304 displaying sub information related to theselected operational mode, an area 1306 displaying the logged-in username, an area 1308 displaying a log-out button (software button), anarea 1310 displaying a volume adjustment button at the time of on-hook,an area 1312 displaying free memory space, an area 1314 displayingcommunication state, and an area 1316 indicating the current time, arearranged.

In area 1304, a key (software button) for adding a job is displayed, asthe sub information. If the interruption key is touched, tapped ordouble-tapped, a process for designating a job to be added in the FAXmode can be executed.

When the volume adjustment button displayed in area 1310 is touched,tapped or double-tapped, a slide bar for adjusting volume at the time ofon-hook is displayed.

In function selecting area 2000 of FAX mode initial screen image 7300, afunction selection menu allowing selection by the user in the FAX modeand the group of change buttons 2010 described above are displayed. Inthe screen image shown in FIG. 8, the function selection menu isdisplayed in the regular mode.

As shown in FIG. 8, the function selection menu displayed in the regularmode includes a group of icons 2300 and a group of texts 2320. In thefunction selection menu displayed on function selecting area 2000,corresponding to an icon 2302 for setting the density of a FAX document,a text 2322 showing the set contents is displayed. Corresponding to anicon 2304 for setting the type of FAX document, a text 2324 showing theset contents is displayed. Corresponding to an icon 2306 for imageedition, a text 2326 showing the set contents is displayed.Corresponding to an icon 2308 for layout edition, a text 2328 showingthe set contents is displayed. For an icon 2310 for displaying result ofFAX communication, corresponding text 2330 is displayed. For an icon2312 for printing information of FAX transmission source on a FAXdocument, corresponding text 2332 is displayed. For an icon 2314 fordisplaying information stored in a memory box, corresponding text 2334is displayed.

As described above, further items on the function setting menu may bedisplayed in upward/downward scrollable manner, with the displayposition of group of change buttons 2010 fixed. It is possible to switchthe items displayed on the function setting menu including the itemshidden at the upper or lower portion and not displayed, either by thetouch-operation (scroll operation) or gesture-operation (upward/downwardflick operation).

Further, in addition to the function selection menu, on functionselecting area 2000 of FAX mode initial screen image 7300, a button 2340for displaying an address book used to designate a telephone number ofFAX destination is displayed.

When button 2340 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, from address booksstored in image forming apparatus 100, only the destinations having FAXtelephone numbers stored are extracted and a resulting address book isdisplayed.

In preview area 3000 of FAX mode initial screen image 7300, an image ofexpected document output (finished form) 3300 is arranged. Here, image3300 is displayed using dummy data or scanned data. Every time the userchanges the function setting menu of function selecting area 2000, image3300 is changed and displayed on preview area 3000 (preview display ischanged).

In addition to image 3300, in preview area 3000 of FAX mode initialscreen image 7300, a button 3302 for inputting a FAX destination isdisplayed. When button 3302 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, a textinput screen image is displayed, allowing direct input of a FAXdestination, or selection of a FAX destination from an address book.

In action panel area 4000 of FAX mode initial screen image 7300, piecesof information related to assistance, guidance and suggestion related tothe FAX operation are displayed. As shown in FIG. 8, recommendedfunctions in the FAX mode selected by the user are displayed. In actionpanel area 4000, an area 4300 showing the contents of displayedinformation, and areas 4302 to 4304 showing, as texts, the recommendedfunctions and serving as software buttons are arranged.

When area 4302 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailed informationof multicast FAX transmission is pulled-down and displayed. When area4304 is touched, tapped or double-tapped, detailed information relatedto an operation of reducing the size of data to be transmitted by FAX ispulled-down and displayed. When area 4306 is touched, tapped ordouble-tapped, detailed information related to an operation of saving adocument to be transmitted by FAX in HDD 302 is pulled-down anddisplayed.

In task trigger area 5000 of FAX mode initial screen image 7300, a groupof execution buttons 5300 are displayed. The group of execution buttons5300 includes a scan-in key (software button) 5302, a clear-all key(software button) 5304, a transmission start key (software button) 5306and a check box 5308. Scan-in key 5302 is a button for operating imageforming apparatus 100 to scan a document and obtain image data. Clearall key 5304 is a button for clearing set function or functions.Transmission start key 5306 is a button for operating image formingapparatus 100 to scan a document and transmit it by FAX. Check box 5308is used for designating direct transmission. Check box 5308 is notindispensable.

Except for the check box 5308 that is not indispensable, scan-in key5302, clear all key 5304 and transmission start key 5306 arranged as thegroup of execution buttons 5300 are arranged close to each other. As tothe size of these keys, transmission start key 5306, scan-in key 5302and clear all key 5304 are made smaller in this order. Transmissionstart key 5306 for starting the process of executing transmission (theprocess for generating data in the final form) is larger than scan-inkey 5302 for starting the process for scanning and obtaining the imagedata to be transmitted (the process for generating data in theintermediate form). Clear all key 5304 is close to other two keys.Specifically, scan-in key 5302 and clear all key 5304 are close to eachother in the lateral direction, and transmission start key 5306 andclear all key 5304 are close to each other in the longitudinaldirection. The number of buttons included in the group of executionbuttons 5300 displayed on task trigger area 5000 is not limited tothree. Even if the number is three, the types are not limited to thethree types described above. For instance, other keys including checkbox 5308 mentioned above may be arranged.

If a user inputs a request (YES at S10200) on FAX mode initial screenimage 7300 displaying pieces of information in five divided areas, a FAXprocess is executed in accordance with the request (S10210).

—Task Trigger Area in Initial Screen Images in Other Modes—

In the following, the display of task trigger area in the initial screenimages in the mail mode and in the document filing mode will bedescribed.

In task trigger area 5000 in the initial screen image for the mail mode,a group of execution buttons as described below is displayed.

As the group of execution buttons in the initial screen image for themail mode, a scan-in key (software button), a clear all key (softwarebutton) and a transmission start key (software button) are arranged. Thescan-in key is a button for operating image forming apparatus 100 toscan a document and to obtain image data. The clear all key is a buttonfor clearing set functions. The transmission start key is a button foroperating image forming apparatus 100 to execute a process for scanninga document and sending it as an attachment to a mail. The group ofexecution buttons in the mail mode corresponds to the group of executionbuttons 5300 shown in FIG. 8, not including check box 5308 (and the textdisplay of “SEND DIRECTLY”).

In task trigger area 5000 in the initial screen image for the documentfiling mode, a group of execution buttons as described below isdisplayed.

As the group of execution buttons in the initial screen image for thedocument filing mode, a print start key (software button) and a checkbox are arranged. The print start key is a button for operating imageforming apparatus 100 to print a document. The check box is used forerasing a file from HDD 302 after printing.

[Effects]

As described above, in the image forming apparatus in accordance withthe present embodiment, different initial screen images are displayed onthe touch-panel display when operational modes are switched. Here, thetouch-panel display is divided into a plurality of display areas, andpieces of information having common concepts are displayed in each ofthe divided areas. Therefore, it is possible for the user to easily finda necessary piece of information, whereby operability can be improved.

Specifically, in the initial screen image, the basic layout is such thatthe screen image is divided into five areas (“system area,” “functionselecting area,” “preview area,” “action panel area,” and “task triggerarea”) and arranged appropriately. Therefore, by a user operationstarting from an upper left portion to a lower right portion, easysetting is possible in each mode. Since the flow lines of the user'sviewpoint and finger tip similar to those in a conventional device notprovided with such a large touch-panel display 130 (having a group ofhardware buttons including ten or more keys on the touch-panel display)are realized, confusion of the user can be prevented even when imageforming apparatus is changed from a conventional one to the apparatus inaccordance with the present embodiment. Further, concepts of the piecesof information displayed on respective ones of the five areas are commonamong different operational modes, so that smooth operation by the userwithout any confusion becomes possible even in different operationalmodes. Particularly, since the task trigger area (an area on whichtrigger items operated by the user for actually operating image formingapparatus 100 are displayed) is arranged to be always displayed on thelower right side of touch-panel display, a series of operations made bythe user always ends in the lower right direction. Therefore, the flowline of user's view point and the flow line of user's fingertip becomecontinuous to the next operation of confirming a sheet of recordingpaper discharged from image forming apparatus 100.

The position of task trigger area is set appropriately, considering theposition of operation unit in the image forming apparatus, thedischarging direction of recording paper from the image formingapparatus, and the dominant hand of the user. Since the position of tasktrigger area and the operation buttons displayed in the area arerealized by software, the manner of display may appropriately be changedin accordance with (the dominant hand of) the user who logged-in to theimage forming apparatus.

The embodiments as have been described here are mere examples and shouldnot be interpreted as restrictive. The scope of the present invention isdetermined by each of the claims with appropriate consideration of thewritten description of the embodiments and embraces modifications withinthe meaning of, and equivalent to, the languages in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus operating in oneoperational mode selected by a user from a plurality of operationalmodes, comprising: a display displaying information corresponding tosaid selected operational mode; a touch panel, arranged on said display,for detecting a request of the user based on a position touched by afinger tip of the user; and a display controller comprising a processorconfigured to execute a program stored in a memory to divide saiddisplay to a plurality of areas and to display pieces of informationwhile maintaining arrangement of divided areas even when said selectedoperational mode is changed; wherein said display displays a home screenimage allowing selection of one operational mode from said plurality ofoperational modes, and displays, in response to selection of anoperational mode through said home screen image, an information itemthat corresponds to the selected operational mode; said displaycontroller displays a plurality of information items allowing the userto input, using said touch panel, a request related to a processexecuted by said image processing apparatus, at the same position ineach operational mode; and said plurality of information items includesa first information item related to an operation button allowing theuser to input a first request that is an image forming request or animage transmission request, and a second information item related to anoperation button allowing the user to input a second request forcanceling a content set for image processing.
 2. The image processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display controller displayssaid plurality of information items on the same area in each operationalmode.
 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, whereinsaid display controller displays the second information item adjacent toanother item.
 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said display controller displays the second information itemadjacent to all other items.
 5. The image processing apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein said display and said touch panel constitute a touchpanel display.
 6. A method of displaying information in an operationconsole provided on an image processing apparatus operating in oneoperational mode selected by a user from a plurality of operationalmodes, comprising: the first display step of displaying a home screenimage allowing selection of one operational mode from said plurality ofoperational modes; the second display step of displaying informationcorresponding to said selected operational mode selected through saidhome screen image on a display panel; the detecting step of detecting auser request based on a position touched by a finger tip of the user, ona touch panel arranged on said display panel; and the display controlstep of dividing said display panel to a plurality of areas anddisplaying pieces of information while maintaining arrangement ofdivided areas even when said selected operational mode is changed;wherein said display control step includes the step of displaying aplurality of information items allowing the user to input, through saidtouch panel, a request related to a process executed by said imageprocessing apparatus, at the same position in each operational mode;said plurality of information items includes a first information itemrelated to an operation button allowing the user to input a firstrequest that is an image forming request or an image transmissionrequest, and a second information item related to an operation buttonallowing the user to input a second request for canceling a content setfor image processing.